United Nations (New York)
7 October 2008
(Page 4 of 4)
He said drug trafficking was a priority issue, since it threatened security and reconstruction and also constituted a threat to the region. Guinea-Bissau had become a transit hub. He supported, in that regard, the proposal of the Secretary-General to investigate, in cooperation with local authorities, the role of those involved in trafficking and transnational crime. He welcomed the implementation of the four quick-impact projects. Although elections were important, priority should be given to combating hunger and providing security, he said.
JORGE BALLESTERO ( Costa Rica ) thanked the President for holding an open meeting on this issue. The adoption of the Peacebuilding Framework for Guinea-Bissau was welcomed, but he agreed it was just the beginning of the international community's involvement with the country. In that regard, he urged that the mandate of the Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau be carried out in the most effective manner. He expressed concern over the political fragility in the country and suggested that the security sector and the rule of law should be a priority in upcoming efforts. In the fight against drug trafficking and other organized crime, he expressed support for robust regional initiatives. For short-term progress, he was interested in the proposal to create a panel of experts, but asked for more information about the panel's proposed links with other actors, particularly the Government. The catalyst for change must be democratic legitimacy. He called on the Government and other actors to insure continued dialogue and an inclusive process.
HOANG CHI TRUNG ( Viet Nam ) noted with satisfaction that preparations for the upcoming elections were on track, and that the Peacebuilding Framework had been adopted. He expressed concern, however, over living conditions and tensions in the country. He supported strengthening the security sector and other measures that could help enhance the rule of law, and deal with such problems as illicit drug trafficking. He expected that the Government of Guinea-Bissau would effectively build on international assistance in that and other areas.
ALFREDO SUESCUM ( Panama ) said he would have preferred to react to a statement by Guinea-Bissau, rather than speak ahead of it. There was a need to ensure that the legislative elections be transparent, fair and peaceful. That was possible only if all parties agreed to it. The elections were an important opportunity for the people to show commitment to the institutionalization of a democratic State.
He said Guinea-Bissau had now become a significant market for the drugs trade, leading to an increase in organized crime. That could have a negative impact on the subregion. Increased policing was a first priority, but there were also security challenges at the transnational level. He hoped for initiatives in that regard that would come forth from the upcoming ECOWAS meeting in Cape Verde. His country was studying the Secretary-General's proposal for the establishment of a group of experts. The Council, the Peacebuilding Support Office, the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Government must closely cooperate with the Peacebuilding Commission to ensure that Guinea-Bissau could "export" stability.
DAVID QUARREY ( United Kingdom ), welcoming the adoption of the Strategic Framework, said it was important soon to establish its monitoring and evaluation mechanism. He welcomed progress made in preparations for elections, including the registration of voters. It was crucial that elections be held on time and that they be free and fair. He said he was deeply concerned at reports of drug trading, and at the reported landing of a Venezuelan plane.
The proposal for a panel of experts needed further discussion, he said. As the primary responsibility for action lay at the national level, he called for enhanced cooperation between law enforcement institutions and also cooperation at the regional level. He also expressed his concern at the intimidation of journalists and human rights workers, and he hoped that the Government and the Peacebuilding Support Office would act to address those concerns.
ZANG YESUI ( China ) said that it was evident that Guinea-Bissau's people wanted stability, and he expressed hope that the elections would be conducted in such a way as to build it. Long-lasting stability, however, would be rooted in development, which must be promoted constantly. There had been some progress in that area, but much more needed to be done. In addition, the illicit trade in drugs had to be fought through strengthening the country's capabilities in security and justice. The international community needed to remain involved in all those areas.
ALFREDO LOPES CABRAL ( Guinea-Bissau ) acknowledged that Guinea-Bissau had the primary responsibility for ensuring that peace and security become a permanent reality, and agreed with the representative of the United States when she said that the Government of Guinea-Bissau must show leadership. To do so, stable institutions were necessary and, in that regard, the country faced major obstacles. That enormous task must be faced together with the country's partners. There was a need to establish the environment in which the November elections could take place in a fair, transparent and credible manner. He was convinced that the people of Guinea-Bissau would show the civil spirit in taking the opportunity to freely choose their representatives and hoped that the results would be accepted by all. The fact that around 96 per cent of the population had registered was a hopeful sign.
There had indeed been tensions, he said, but controversies were almost inevitable in a young democracy, faced with enormous problems. Difficulties, however, had been overcome by resorting to institutions, such as the Supreme Court, and there had been no violence.
He said he shared the concerns regarding drug trafficking in a country that five years ago had not known about the phenomenon. The situation had arisen because his country was the weakest link in the regional chain; it had been honest in asking for help, since the problem could threaten all achievements in democracy. Assistance from the international community was needed, as well as a credible judiciary, police and courts that could render justice.
Expressing his country's thanks, he said significant achievements had been made thanks to the Peacebuilding Commission. For the first time, all of the stakeholders, including Government, women, youth, political parties and civil organizations had been incorporated in the Strategic Framework.
The situation was not fatal, he said. There was a way out, if needed aid was received and the Government showed the necessary leadership. The authorities would spare no efforts to ensure that the elections would be held with the greatest possible transparency, that they would be credible, and that the results would be acceptable to all. The issue of drug trafficking could best be faced in the subregional approach, and he said he welcomed the upcoming ECOWAS conference in Cape Verde. He appealed for aid in combating the current cholera epidemic, and asked for more substantial assistance from the Bretton Woods institutions.
Under-Secretary-General PASCOE, returning for clarifications, said he was gratified by the Council members' recognition of the need to bring all of the elements together for further stability in Guinea-Bissau. He said the Peacebuilding Support Office was deeply involved in advancing the political process, and was working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on the illicit drug problem. In the next few weeks, much work would be done to ensure that all the programmes of the Peacebuilding Support Office were effective.
In regard to the anti-drug strategy, he said the authorities had asked for assistance and the Lisbon Conference had mobilized resources. On the panel of experts, he noted that the proposal arose from the request of the Government for assistance. Even with the strengthening of Government institutions, initiatives were needed to deal with the international aspect of the problem, and that was why the proposal was developed.
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